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In the meantime, have a look at some of our other reader questions. And, mahalo to our Experts.
"My 10 year old son injured his neck at football practice. Can a chiropractor help his injury?”
It depends on the type of injury.
For a simple muscle sprain or joint sprain, the chiropractor can perform soft-tissue and light adjustment techniques to the area to facilitate healing. Another goal of chiropractic care is to lessen the likelihood of injury. A chiropractor can provide adjustments, stretches and therapeutic exercises that a child can perform before, during and after sports activities to lower the risk. He can also coach a child on proper nutrition, proper training, proper equipment, and the importance
of warm ups.
Our expert: Philip Miranda DC graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in March of 2001. He has been in private practice since 2002. He has attended several pediatric chiropractic conferences and specializes in postural and sports chiropractic.
"When should my child wear a mouthguard?"
I feel that any contact sport should require mouthguards as equipment. Every baseball season I see teeth lost or fractured because of a “bad bounce.” Soccer, karate, basketball, football and even flag football all have contact. An elbow, knee or a teammates head have caused numerous mouth injuries.
If a child has an “overbite” they are prone to breaking front teeth. Mouthguards can be inexpensive as there are a number of good over-the-counter products. A broken front tooth, no matter how well it is repaired, will be a lifetime maintenance commitment.
Our expert: Melissa Mahealani Beaudet-Uy DDSGeneral Dentistry Limited to Children, Associate Member American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, Member American Dental Association. Raised on Maui,graduated from UH Hilo and Creighton University School of Dentistry. Moved to Kona to be with family after dental school and has limited her practice to pediatric dentistry for the last 20 years. Married to Gabriel Uy DDS and has three children.
"My child is prone to ear infections. I’ve heard chiropractic can help. Is that true?
Ear infections are the number one reason parents take their children to see their pediatricians.
Ear infections can be excruciating for your child. The most common signs and symptoms include: ear pain, irritability and fever. The most common causes of ear infections can be either bacteria or viral infections. Children that have chronic ear infections may suffer hearing damage, speech and development problems.
The most common treatment for ear infections is antibiotics, which are effective if the origin is bacterial. Antibiotics are not effective for viral infections.
One alternative treatment is chiropractic. Chiropractic is a conservative and drugless approach to try if your child has a history of chronic ear infections. After conducting a thorough history and physical examination, chiropractors utilize gentle spinal adjustments to the upper cervical area which can help mobilize fluid in the ear to allow drainage.
Talk to a chiropractor and see if your child’s ear infection can be helped by chiropractic.
Our expert: Philip Miranda DC graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in March of 2001. He has been in private practice since 2002. He has attended several pediatric chiropractic conferences and specializes in postural and sports chiropractic.
"I am planning to get pregnant. What are some preconception recommendations? When is the best time to conceive?
1) Visit your ob/gyn prior to, or while trying to get pregnant. It is important to have an up-to-date full physical/gyn exam including pap smear/cervical cultures. Also, discuss with your doctor immunity to chicken pox/rubella and have blood tests done if necessary. You may also discuss genetic issues and have counseling regarding family medical history to determine risk factors for certain diseases.
2) Lifestyle recommendations include:
starting prenatal vitamins with 400-800 micrograms of folic acid
considering supplements if you are
vegetarian, or are anemic
increase hydration considerably
be wary of raw/uncooked foods/meats and fish with high
levels of mercury
exercise pre-pregnancy and during
pregnancy.
Our expert: Christina Collins MD, Board certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology. Raised in Maryland, Dr. Collins graduated from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and Hahnemann University Medical School in Philadelphia. After practicing on the mainland and out of Kapiolani Hospital on Oahu, Dr Collins moved to Kona and opened her private practice to serve the needs of women in West Hawaii. Dr Collins is welcoming new patients seeking Obstetric and Gynecologic care.
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